- The Kenya Lionesses have announced their final squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
- The tournament is scheduled to take place in Madagascar from June 5 to 16.
- This year’s tournament will feature hosts Madagascar, defending champions South Africa, newly promoted Uganda and Kenya.
The women’s national rugby 15s side, Kenya Lionesses, have unveiled their final squad for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2025 scheduled to take place in Madagascar from 5 to 16 June.
The final 28-woman roster has been trimmed from an initial provisional list of 50 players who have been in training camp since Monday, May 12, at the RFUEA Grounds.
The side will be captained by Enid Ouma, with 12 players retained from last year’s Africa Cup campaign.
The squad also features three new faces: Katundu Ivonee, Kenya Harlequins Queens back-rower Doris Kimani, and Northern Suburbs winger Yvette Oketch.
Making a noteworthy return is Nelly Chikombe, who re-joins the team following maternity leave.
The remainder of the squad is bolstered by returning Kenya Sevens internationals including Naomi Amuguni, Moureen Muritu, Sheila Chajira and Grace Okulu.
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With the return of key 7s players who were unavailable for last year’s edition due to scheduling conflicts with the Challenger Series, assistant Coach Simon Odongo expressed optimism about the team’s readiness for the continental showdown.
We have prepared well so far. This is our third week in camp; we call it the reload week where we are focusing on our clarity of play and perfecting our set pieces,” he told Citizen Digital.
Having the 7s girls back is a big boost. Last year, we missed them due to a fixture clash with the Challenger Series but this time around, they’re here and they’ve brought an extra level of quality.”
This year’s competition will feature four nations: hosts Madagascar, defending champions South Africa, newly promoted Uganda and Kenya.
The tournament will adopt a round-robin format, with matches played on June 7, 11, and 15 at Stade Makis in Antananarivo.
Kenya, coached by Dennis Mwanja, will open their campaign against Madagascar on June 7 at 3:00 PM EAT.
They will then battle South Africa on June 11, before concluding the tournament against Uganda on June 15. The final two matches are slated for 1:00 PM EAT.
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Uganda earned their place in the top tier after a commanding 63-7 victory over Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa Women’s Division One championship, replacing Cameroon who were eliminated.
In the previous edition, South Africa clinched the title with a perfect record, earning 15 points from three consecutive wins.
Kenya, who finished third with seven points, will be aiming to avenge their 63-5 loss to the Springbok Women.
The Lionesses also suffered a narrow 29-22 defeat to Madagascar, but secured a convincing 39-17 victory against Cameroon.
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Kenya Lionesses final squad
FORWARDS
Props
- Jane Chanya
- Natasha Emali
- Katundu Ivonee
- Khaleyi Noleen
- Naomi Muhanji
- Wesa Sheila
Hookers
- Akinyi Mitchell
- Knight Otwoma
Locks
- Phoebe Akinyi
- Maureen Chebet (Vice-Captain)
- Enid Ouma (Captain)
- Naomi Jelegat
Back Row
- Naomi Amuguni
- Sheila Chajira
- Nelly Chikombe
- Dorris Kimani
BACKS
Scrum Half
- Edith Nariaka (Vice-Captain)
Fly Halves
- Ann Njeri
- Grace Okulu
Wingers
- Diana Awino
- Freshia Awino
- Yvette Oketch
- Juma Angel Charity
Centres
- Christabel Lindo
- Faith Livoi
- Moreen Muritu
- Stella Wafula
Full Back
- Sinaida Mokaya
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